Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene - Weekly Sermon Podcast

Witnesses: Unstoppable - May 3, 2009

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:37:52 PDT

Witnesses: Unstoppable

Texts: Psalm 23; John 10:11-18; I John 3:16-14; Acts 4:5-20

In our third lesson in the "Witnesses" series, Pastor Jon looks at the response of Peter and John when they are put on trial for healing the crippled man outside the temple. Like an unstoppable force, Peter and John continue to boldly proclaim salvation in the Name of Jesus. May we be as unstoppable as we give witness to what God has done for us.

Witnesses: Silver & Gold - April 26, 2009

Sat, 02 May 2009 13:22:38 PDT

Witnesses: Silver & Gold

Texts: Psalm 84:1-2, 10-12; Luke 24:36-48; I John 3:1-7; Acts 3:1-16

Pastor Jon continues our exploration of the Early Church and what it means to be Jesus' witnesses. Peter and John are not swayed by the crippled man's stated needs, but look to meet his real needs--dignity, respect, the ability to walk, and the knowledge of Jesus. In doing so, not only is the man brought to salvation, but many more are added to their number.

Witnesses: Evidence of the Resurrection - April 19, 2009

Sat, 02 May 2009 13:01:12 PDT

Witnesses: Evidence of the Resurrection

Texts: Psalm 133; John 20:19-31; I John 1:1-2:2; Acts 1:1-11

During this Annual Pastor's Report, Pastor Jon calls the members and friends of the Cape Elizabeth Church of the Nazarene to a year of intentional witnessing--telling others what God has done for you. This is the first in a five-week series on sharing the Good News of the Gospel.

Easter: Walking on the Road - April 12, 2009

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:01:43 PDT

Easter: Walking on the Road

Texts: Psalm 118:1-17; Isaiah 25:6-9; I Corinthians 5:6b-8; Luke 24:13-35; Psalm 23:4

On this Easter Morning, Pastor Jon looks at the journey of the disciples along the Road to Emmaus, and how they went from disbelief and doubt to fully experiencing the resurrected Christ. No matter what road you are on today, the Risen Christ walks with you, desires to be recognized by you, and desires to bring you redemption and grace.

Spring Training: The Poor, Humble, and Afflicted Entry - April 5, 2009

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 13:11:18 PDT

Spring Training: The Poor, Humble, and Afflicted Entry

Texts: Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 11:1-11; Zechariah 9:9-10

Pastor Jon takes a look at three specific times in the Gospels where Jesus offered us a picture of how the Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the kingdom of this world.

Spring Training: A Kernel of Wheat - March 22, 2009

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:05:16 PDT

Spring Training: A Kernel of Wheat

Texts: Psalm 51:7-12; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33; I Corinthians 15:20-23; Romans 8:23; James 1:18

Pastor Jon explores Jesus' teaching during Holy Week, about the Kernel of Wheat that must die and be planted in order to bring forth a great harvest. Listen to how the events of Holy Week and Pentecost may have been superimposed on the traditional Jewish Feast of First Fruits. Consider how we might participate in the spreading of the Gospel through giving of ourselves.

Spring Training: Snakes on the Ground - March 15, 2009

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 07:00:39 PDT

Spring Training: Snakes on the Ground

Texts: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21; Psalm 121; Hebrews 12:1-3

Pastor Jon shares his own personal dislike for snakes, and helps us understand what it might have been like for the Israelite children to walk through a desert infested with poisonous snakes. Jesus revisits this story in John chapter 3, helping us to understand that the solution to our problems is to get our eyes off from ourselves, and to fix them upon Jesus.

Spring Training: Take Up Your Cross - March 8, 2009

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:44:57 PDT

Spring Training: Take Up Your Cross

Texts: Psalm 22:23-31; Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:27-38; Matthew 16:17-19

Pastor Jon continues our Lenten "Spring Training for the Soul" with a look at Peter's confession, and Jesus teaching on "taking up our cross." A simple head knowledge of the right answers is not enough for salvation. It is not enough to simply know what the Rabbi knows, we must learn to be like the Rabbi, and to follow Him so closely that we are covered with the dust of His sandals. The call of the Rabbi is to deny yourself, to take up your cross, and follow Him.

Spring Training: Back to the Basics - March 1, 2009

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 13:32:59 PST

Spring Training: Back to the Basics

Texts: Psalm 25:1-5; Genesis 9:8-17; I Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15; Proverbs 30:7-9; Matthew 4:1-4; Matthew 6:19-21

As we begin this Lenten Journey, Pastor Jon encourages us to view this time as a "Spring Training for the Soul," where we go "Back to the Basics." Lent provides us intentional time and space for us to consider what we hunger and thirst after, and to consider how we might more fully chase after the Christ we claim to follow.

Looking for a Miracle - January 22, 2009

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:12:46 PST

Looking for a Miracle

Texts: Psalm 50:1-6; Mark 9:2-9; II Corinthians 4:3-6; II Kings 5:1-14; II Chronicles 20:12

Pastor Jon returns from sabbatical with a challenge for us from the story of Naaman. When we look for a miracle of God, it is not simply enough for us to pray and hope that someone waves their hands over the problem to make it go away. We must surrender our desire for a "quick fix," and do the simple things that God asks of us to do.

REPEAT: What's Your Perspective? - February 15, 2009

Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:00:00 PST

"What's Your Perspective"

For the past 8 weeks, we brought you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume next week: February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: October 8, 2006

Texts: Job 1:13-21, 19:25; Mark 10:17-31; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-16

Contrasting Job with the Rich Young Ruler forces us to consider the priorities in our own life. Our ability to face the inevitable losses and tragedy in life is determined by our perspective on life. By setting our sights on things above, we are better able to weather the storms in life.

This message extensively references a recent barn fire in Albion, ME, which you can read about here or watch a news report here.

REPEAT: A Matter of Life and Death - February 8, 2009

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 12:00:00 PST

A Matter of Life and Death

For the next 2 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: July 9, 2006

Texts: II Samuel 1:1-27; Matthew 5:43-48

The story of the end of Saul's life forces us to confront questions about the Sanctity of Life. However, it would be good for us to remember that Sanctity of Life is not only about when life begins or when life ends, but about how we live our lives between birth and death.

REPEAT: We Need a Hero? - February 1, 2009

Sun, 01 Feb 2009 12:00:01 PST

We Need a Hero?

For the next 3 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: July 2, 2006

Text: I Samuel 17:1-49

The story of David and Goliath is interpreted against the backdrop of superhero stories like Superman, Spiderman, or Zorro. David challenges us to not simply wait around for a "superhero" to step in and do amazing things, but to use the gifts that God has given us to make a difference in the world around us.

REPEAT: Crash Helmets & Life Jackets - January 25, 2009

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

Pentecost - Crash Helmets & Life Jackets

For the next 4 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: June 4, 2006

Text: Acts 2:1-41

Pentecost Sunday provides an opportunity to consider the great power of the Holy Spirit available to the Church. Unfortunately, we are often ill-equipped to tap into God's power, and would be surprised if we encountered the sort of transformational worship that took place on that first Christian Pentecost. Theologian Annie Dillard suggests that our ushers should distribute crash helmets and life jackets in case the Almighty chose to show up at church.

REPEAT: Rejoice! The Song is Alive - January 18, 2009

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 12:00:07 PST

Easter Sunday - Rejoice! The Song is Alive

For the next 5 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: April 16, 2006

Texts: Isaiah 53:6; Acts 3:15; Luke 7:18-23; Luke 15:1-7; John 9; John 11:1-44

As the continuation of the message begun on Good Friday, we can rejoice today for the Song is alive. For even though we killed the Author of Life, God is more powerful than darkness, life is stronger than death, God's song is stronger than the silence. The lost are found, the blind see, the dead live again. What shall our response be to this proclamation of the Gospel? What song shall we now sing? To whom shall we sing our song? Let us echo the words of Casting Crowns--indeed, "let my lifesong sing to You!"

REPEAT: Killing the Song - January 11, 2009

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:00:07 PST

"Laodicea: Stop Kidding Yourself"

For the next 6 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: April 14, 2006

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

After summarizing the lessons from the past six weeks, Pastor Jon concludes our study on the letters to the Seven Churches of Revelation with a look at the letter to the church in Laodicea. By properly understanding the drinking water situation in Laodicea, and by looking that the things that this church was well known for, we realize that this passage is an exhortation to be sure that we have not deceived ourselves (Like the emperor in Hans Christian Anderson's classic children's story). Pastor Jon concludes this message with an invitation that everyone needs to hear.

REPEAT: A New Wardrobe - January 4, 2009

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

A New Wardrobe

For the next 7 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Originally Published: January 1, 2006

Text: Revelation 21:1-6a, Isaiah 43

TLC's "What Not to Wear" provides the backdrop for this New Year's sermon about our God who is making all things new. As we prepare to throw away our old wardrobe, we know that God is always doing a new thing and desires to clothe us with His robes. What "New Thing" does God want for you this year?

REPEAT: The Little Drummer Boy - December 28, 2008

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:00:01 PST

"The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy"

Texts: Matthew 2; Mark 12:41-44

For the next 8 weeks, we bring you some of our favorite messages from 2006. Regular weekly sermon podcasts will resume on February 22, 2009.

Not a traditional sermon, this fictional retelling of The Legend of the Little Drummer Boy (written by Pastor Jon in 2003) helps us imagine how the character of the Little Drummer Boy might have interacted with real biblical characters. While the story is imaginative and fictional, it contains truths which help us give of our best to God.

This telling of the story was recorded at an evening service on December 17, 2006, and originally published on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2006.

Proclaim the Promise - December 21, 2008

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 06:30:05 PST

Proclaim the Promise

Text: Psalm 89:1-4; II Sam 7:1-11, 16; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:57-79

Prepare, Receive, Rejoice, Proclaim! This four-word outline is the basis for our Advent journey, and a picture of our relationship with the Gospel--the Good News of Jesus Christ. This week, Pastor Jon explores what it must have been like for Zechariah to finally be able to speak after nine months of being silent.

Rejoice in the Promise - December 14, 2008

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:08:21 PST

Rejoice in the Promise

Text: Psalm 126; Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, I Thessalonians 5:16-24; Luke 1:39-56

Prepare, Receive, Rejoice, Proclaim! This four-word outline is the basis for our Advent journey, and a picture of our relationship with the Gospel--the Good News of Jesus Christ. This week, Pastor Jon uses a recent experience during an ice storm to help us understand what it means to rejoice in the promise of something yet to come.

Receive the Promise - December 7, 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 11:02:13 PST

Receive the Promise

Text: Psalm 84:1-4, 10-12; II Peter 3:8-15a; Isaiah 40:1-11; Luke 1:26-38

We continue our journey through Advent, as we prepare for the coming of the Lord. This week, Pastor Jon looks at the promise of Jesus as foretold to Mary in Luke 1:26-38. As we consider what it means to receive grace, we look at the following three questions: What are the requirements to receive God's grace? What is the appropriate response to God's grace? What is the result of receiving God's grace?

Preparing for the Promise - November 30, 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:00:07 PST

Preparing for the Promise

Texts: Psalm 80:1-3, 17-19; Isaiah 64:1-9; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 1:5-25

This Advent season, Pastor Jon takes us on a journey of preparation through Luke chapter 1. This week, we look at the foretelling of the forerunner, John the Baptist. Zechariah is prepared to go to worship, but isn't prepared for a life-changing encounter with God. This Advent, let us create intentional space in our lives that we might deepen our walk with God, and that we might be a people prepared for His coming.

Worshipping the Golden Calf - November 23, 2008

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 12:56:39 PST

Worshipping the Golden Calf

Texts: Psalm 106:1-2, 19-23, 47-48; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14; Exodus 32:1-24; Psalm 24:3-6

We near the conclusion of our journey through Genesis and Exodus, with the people of God waiting near the base of the mountain as Moses travels back and forth to negotiate the terms of the covenant with God. As Moses spends 40 days at the top of the mountain, the people get tired of waiting and ask Aaron to create a god who would lead them. Pastor Jon talks about how we sometimes turn to pacifiers when the going gets tough, instead of turning to the God who created us.

There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments - November 16, 2008

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 05:32:23 PST

There's No Such Thing as the Ten Commandments

Texts: Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Exodus 19:3-8, 19:18, 20:1-20; 24:3-7, 31:18; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Jeremiah 33:31-34

Pastor Jon offers the surprising fact that the phrase "the Ten Commandments" wasn't in the Bible until the 1590 Geneva Bible. He explores what it means for us to consider that these verses should more appropriately be called "the Ten Words," or "Ten Ideas," or "the Decalogue." He also explores the numbering of the Decalogue, the reason for two tablets, and why they were hidden away in a box. In considering the context surrounding the Decalogue and the Old Covenant, we gain greater understanding of the New Covenant sealed in Jesus' blood.

Living Water - November 9, 2008

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:39:36 PST

Our Living Water

Texts: Psalm 78:1-4, 12-16; Matthew 21:23-32; Philippians 2:1-13; Exodus 17:1-7; Ecclesiastes 3:10-11; Isaiah 55:8-9; Numbers 20:6-13

Pastor Jon considers the lessons that we can learn from the "Water from the Rock" stories in Exodus 17 and Numbers 20. Sometimes we miss God's hand at work because we lack an eternal perspective. Sometimes we miss seeing God work because we are focused on the negative things in our lives. And sometimes we miss seeing Him work because we are not prepared for Him to do a new thing, but keep expecting Him to do what He did once before.